Day-Trip Itinerary: Monroe-West Monroe

At a Glance 

• Monroe and West Monroe are twin cities in Northern Louisiana, located along the Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard.
• Popular attractions here include the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, Antique Alley, Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and more.
• Top restaurants in town include Big Momma’s Fine Foods, Trapp’s, Flying Tiger Brewery, Waterfront Grill, Restaurant Cotton and more.

Taking a day trip to Monroe and West Monroe? From historic museums and scenic nature trails to craft beer and even a vineyard, these ideas will help you experience some of the region’s top attractions.

Morning: Gardens & Local History

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is multiple museums in one — each with distinct and fascinating stories to tell. Its original owner, Joseph Biedenharn, was the first to bottle Coca-Cola, and inside his namesake museum you’ll find a Coke museum right next door to his opulent home, formal English gardens and a museum housing historical Bibles.

Duck Commander: The Museum

From 2012 to 2017, hit reality TV show "Duck Dynasty" followed the daily lives of the Robertson family and their business, Duck Commander. The Robertsons are, without question, West Monroe’s most famous family, and at Duck Commander: The Museum, you’ll learn about the show and the Robertsons’ rise to stardom.

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum honors the story of Major General Claire Lee Chennault and an elite squadron of pilots he led, known as the Flying Tigers. Learn compelling stories of World War II battles won and lost, and how one man helped change the war in China. The bilingual “Way of a Fighter” exhibit is based on Chennault’s memoirs, written in 1949. The museum also tells the story of how a small crop-dusting business evolved into the second-largest airline in the world, Delta Air Lines.

Lunch: Local Flavor in Monroe-West Monroe

Big Momma's Fine Foods

Big Momma's Fine Foods serves traditional Southern soul-food specialties such as fried chicken and fish, smothered pork chops, ribs and country-fried steak. The hot water cornbread is a favorite!

For His Temple Family Foods

The only certified gluten-free and dairy-free eatery in Louisiana, For His Temple Family Foods offers healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients. Mains like hamburger steak and tomato pie casserole are served daily in the dining room, along with sides ranging from black-eyed peas to tomato-basil rice.

Trapp’s

Soak up views of the water while you dine at Trapp’s, a classic West Monroe lunch spot overlooking the Ouachita River. Cajun specialties and soul food are on the menu at this beloved restaurant, located just a couple of blocks from West Monroe’s Antique Alley.

Afternoon: Shopping, Parks & A Drink 

Antique Alley

Southern Living calls West Monroe’s Antique Alley “a shopaholic’s delight." Discover city blocks lined with stores selling everything from home décor, jewelry and clothing to European and American antiques, art and more.  

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,300-acre refuge providing habitat for waterfowl and endangered and resident wildlife like the American alligator and great blue herons. Located within the city limits of Monroe, the refuge provides easy access to spend time in nature birding, paddling, fishing and partaking in other outdoor activities.

Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Chemin-A-Haut State Park might have a funny-sounding name, but it's home to seriously fun adventures. The park takes its name from the French phrase meaning “high road,” which Native Americans once used on seasonal migrations through these North Louisiana woodlands. Kayaking is especially popular here, and the park was designed with children in mind: check out the playgrounds and swimming pools. 

Poverty Point World Heritage Site

Poverty Point World Heritage Site is a story 3,400 years in the making. Learn about the people who built the mysterious massive earthworks all that time ago, walk the hiking trail and watch for local wildlife — Poverty Point’s location near Bayou Macon and open grasslands make it a great spot for birding.

Flying Tiger Brewery

Monroe's Flying Tiger Brewery pays homage to hometown hero Major General Claire Lee Chennault, whose World War II-era Flying Tigers became one of the war’s best-known U.S. air squadrons. The military vibe is alive and well at Flying Tiger’s taproom, where you can enjoy a pint of Burma Blonde lager, Man at Arms amber ale, Heroic Hops IPA or any number of other beers made in-house. 

Landry Vineyards

Landry Vineyards is a family-owned and -operated winery located in the rolling hills of West Monroe. Visitors can sample wines while enjoying picturesque views from the tasting room (their flagship is the Blanc Du Bois) and even relax on the lawn for a family-friendly concert.

Dinner: Authentic Southern

Waterfront Grill 

Set on the bank of Bayou DeSiard in Monroe, Waterfront Grill combines upscale dishes with a casual Louisiana ambiance. Take a seat on the spacious outdoor patio and order a po'boy, the "Samburger" or the Catfish DeSiard: catfish baked with Parmesan cheese, mushrooms and shrimp that's so good it was featured in Southern Living magazine. 

Warehouse No. 1

Relax while dining at Warehouse No. 1, overlooking the Ouachita River in Monroe. In addition to comfort food and menu items like the Ouachita River Special (with Southern-fried catfish, Gulf shrimp and oysters), Warehouse No. 1 is known for being housed in a former cotton warehouse.

Restaurant Cotton

Restaurant Cotton offers innovative takes on Southern Delta cuisine inside a restored 19th-century building. Located in the heart of historic downtown Monroe, Restaurant Cotton offers a creative spin on Southern comfort cuisine, with menu items like crawfish-and-sausage dumplings, venison meatloaf and deviled eggs with fried chicken skins.

Find additional things to do near Monroe and West Monroe, as well as places to stay and how to get to the area.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Monroe and West Monroe in Louisiana known for? 

The towns are known for history, museums, outdoor recreation, Ouachita River setting and connections to Louisiana culture. Travelers can customize the day based on their interests, with options for history buffs, families, outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers. 

What are the best things to do in Monroe and West Monroe in one day? 

For a one-day visit to Monroe and West Monroe, combine local history, outdoor recreation, shopping and Louisiana food. Notable attractions include Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Poverty Point World Heritage Site. 

What are the best places to visit in Monroe and West Monroe for history and culture? 

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens and Chennault Aviation and Military Museum are two standout cultural attractions in Monroe. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens combines the history of Joseph Biedenharn and Coca-Cola with a historic home, formal gardens and a Bible museum. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum explores Major General Claire Lee Chennault, the Flying Tigers and the area's aviation history. 

What outdoor activities can you do in Monroe and West Monroe? 

Outdoor activities in the Monroe-West Monroe area include birding, paddling, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to see wildlife and explore the outdoors within Monroe, while Chemin-A-Haut State Park provides additional opportunities for kayaking and family recreation. 

Where can you go birding near Monroe, Louisiana? 

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a convenient birding destination near Monroe. The refuge provides habitat for waterfowl, great blue herons, American alligators and other wildlife. Poverty Point World Heritage Site also offers birding opportunities because of its open grasslands and location near Bayou Macon. 

Where can you go shopping in West Monroe? 

Antique Alley is one of the area's best-known shopping destinations. The West Monroe district includes blocks of stores offering antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing, art and other merchandise, making it a popular stop for shoppers. 

Where should you eat in Monroe and West Monroe? 

Monroe and West Monroe offer a variety of Southern, Cajun and Louisiana-inspired dining options. For lunch, choices featured in this itinerary include Big Momma's Fine Foods, For His Temple Family Foods and Trapp's. For dinner, options include Waterfront Grill, Warehouse No. 1 and Restaurant Cotton, each offering a different take on local and Southern cuisine.